The Lost Art of Encouragement

Devotional

Day 1: Fields and Future Generations

Barnabas stood holding the deed to his ancestral field – a Levite’s rare treasure. With Jerusalem’s new believers facing hunger, he sold it and laid the money at the apostles’ feet. This wasn’t charity; it was rocket fuel for the church’s survival. His sacrifice kept widows fed and disciples united, proving resources aren’t for hoarding but for launching God’s breakthroughs. [11:11]

True encouragement often costs something. Barnabas didn’t just speak hope – he bankrolled it. His field became bread for the hungry and glue for a fragile church. When we leverage our assets for others, we don’t just give things – we give tomorrows.

Your wallet is a discipleship tool. That bonus, inheritance, or spare room isn’t just “yours” – it’s potential energy for someone’s calling. What tangible resource could you convert into encouragement today? Who needs your “field” to step into their destiny? When did you last risk comfort to fuel another’s mission?

“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”
(Acts 4:36-37, NIV)

Prayer: Ask God to show you one resource He’s given you to strengthen someone’s faith this week.
Challenge: Give $50 (or equivalent) anonymously to someone facing financial strain – attach a note: “This is your Barnabas moment.”

Day 2: Vouching for the Unlikely

Saul’s reputation preceded him – persecutor, murderer, feared by every Jerusalem believer. But Barnabas gripped the trembling convert’s arm and marched him to the apostles. “Listen to his story,” he insisted, bridging the gap between Saul’s past and Paul’s future. One man’s credibility became another’s credibility. [16:16]

Encouragement sometimes means absorbing risk. Barnabas didn’t just comfort Saul – he staked his own reputation to rewrite Saul’s story. Our social capital becomes a ladder for the excluded when we say, “I’ll stand with you until others see what I see.”

Who’s the “Saul” in your circles – the person others avoid? Your endorsement could be their passport into community. Text one leader today about an overlooked person’s potential. Whose redemption story are you resisting because of their past?

“When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him… Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.”
(Acts 9:26-27, NIV)

Prayer: Confess any prejudice blocking you from believing in someone’s transformation.
Challenge: Introduce a marginalized person to three leaders in your network this week.

Day 3: Blessing Unfamiliar Fire

Barnabas stared at Antioch’s chaos – Gentiles and Jews sharing communion, former temple prostitutes weeping in worship. This wasn’t the Jerusalem way. But he roared with joy: “This is God’s grace!” His blessing turned a cultural anomaly into Christianity’s first multicultural hub. [22:53]

Encouragers recognize God’s fingerprints, even in strange places. Barnabas didn’t critique their methods but celebrated their passion. When younger generations pray differently or activists serve controversially, do we nitpick or proclaim, “I see grace here”?

Your critical eye might be quenching the Spirit. Next time you encounter “unorthodox” zeal, name one specific evidence of God’s work. What modern move of God makes you uncomfortable – and why?

“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”
(Acts 11:23, NIV)

Prayer: Thank God for three ways He’s working through someone whose style differs from yours.
Challenge: Publicly affirm a “messy” ministry (online post, conversation, or note) within 24 hours.

Day 4: The Tarsus Detour

Mid-revival in Antioch, Barnabas vanished. He trekked 150 miles to Tarsus, hunting for Saul – the converted Pharisee others forgot. “Your moment’s here,” he panted, dragging Saul back to teach Antioch’s rowdy converts. That detour birthed history’s greatest missionary. [27:21]

True encouragers interrupt their success to activate others’. Barnabas traded his spotlight to be Saul’s spotlight-holder. Our schedules become holy when we pause our agendas to say, “This platform isn’t mine – it’s yours.”

Whose potential are you too busy to nurture? Clear one calendar slot this week to coach an emerging leader. Who invested time in you when it cost them convenience?

“Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church.”
(Acts 11:25-26, NIV)

Prayer: Ask God to reveal one person He wants you to mentor this season.
Challenge: Invite a younger believer to shadow you for a day – explain your spiritual decisions aloud.

Day 5: The Flaky Evangelist

Mark slumped in shame after abandoning Paul’s mission. But Barnabas bet on the dropout, mentoring him through Cyprus’ backroads. Decades later, that “failure” penned the Gospel bearing Peter’s testimony – because one man refused to define him by one mistake. [32:17]

Encouragement resurrects callings. Barnabas didn’t ignore Mark’s failure – he redeemed it. Our culture cancels; Christians must be the ones whispering, “Your worst moment isn’t your final moment.”

Who’s living under a cloud of past failure? Call/text them today: “God’s not done.” Whose potential have you written off that God hasn’t?

“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise… They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”
(Acts 15:37-39, NIV)

Prayer: Confess any judgment toward someone who’s failed – ask for eyes to see their future.
Challenge: Write a letter to someone who’s backslidden – detail three strengths you still see in them.

Sermon Summary

The call to encouragement steps into a culture of discouragement, where many “lose heart” like an unstrung bow sitting idle, no longer living into purpose. Scripture itself trains an encouraging people. Moses is told to encourage Joshua for a generational handoff, the Psalms show God encouraging the afflicted in prayer, Acts frames encouragement as strength under hardship, and the epistles insist on encouragement in ordinary church life, in discipline, in teaching, in resisting sin, and in gathering together with urgency as “the Day” draws near. Encouragement, then, is not hype or spin. It is not general affirmation, not flattery that manipulates, not toxic positivity that denies pain, and not the toleration of low performance that warps reality. Biblical encouragement is parakaleo, a calling alongside to comfort, exhort, and appeal with truth-filled presence.

Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” becomes a living mentor in how encouragement accelerates mission. First, generosity encourages by leveraging resources for others. In a Jerusalem crisis, Barnabas sells rare ancestral land as a Levite and supplies breakthrough funds so the movement does not stall. Encouragement is not just words; it is sacrificial resourcing that unlocks futures. Second, influence encourages by absorbing risk for emerging leaders. When others freeze in fear at Saul’s reputation, Barnabas listens, believes early, and brings him in. True encouragement spots possibility in a rough shell and stakes social capital on it. Third, discernment encourages by recognizing grace beyond preferred forms. In Antioch’s pagan mix, Barnabas refuses to stumble over style and says in effect, “I don’t recognize the form, but I recognize that power,” then urges wholehearted fidelity to Jesus. Fourth, humility encourages by creating space for another’s destiny. Barnabas leaves a live revival to diligently find Saul in Tarsus, brings him to Antioch, and shares the platform until the Spirit says, “Set apart Saul and Barnabas.” That is a destiny-releasing environment. Fifth, restorative patience encourages by offering second chances. Barnabas insists on John Mark after failure. Efficiency protects momentum, but restorative grace often writes Gospels. Jesus himself restores failures and turns collapse into calling.

Practically, encouragement works best when it is specific, not generic; when it names the gain, not only the gap; when it arrives with wise timing; and when it shows up daily and generously. Encouragement puts courage in. In Christ’s strength, intimidated saints face bullies, conflicts, and impossible calls, and discover that faithful presence plus truthful words can restring the bow.

Key Takeaways

1. Encouragement comes alongside with truth and presence [09:14] Parakaleo is not bland praise but a called-alongside ministry that comforts, exhorts, and appeals. It honors pain without coddling it and confronts sin without crushing the sinner. Its power lies in proximity and specificity, not slogans. Where presence and truth meet, hearts strengthen. [09:14]
2. Generosity becomes breakthrough encouragement [12:57] Barnabas’s sold field is not philanthropy-as-image; it is mission-critical supply at a hinge moment. Strategic giving strengthens weak joints so the body can move again. Resources, rightly placed and timely offered, turn near-collapses into new chapters of fruitfulness. [12:57]
3. Steward influence to unlock hidden callings [16:51] Barnabas risks his reputation on Saul before the fruit is obvious. Early advocacy is costly, yet it multiplies leaders and expands horizons the cautious never see. Encouragement believes in a person’s future enough to stand with them in their contested present. [16:51]
4. Recognize grace beyond preferred forms [22:09] Antioch did not look “clean,” but the grace was unmistakable. Maturity can calcify into taste-based suspicion unless the heart stays alert to God’s fingerprints in unfamiliar places. Encouragement says, remain true to the Lord with all your heart, even when the wrapper is new. [22:09]
5. Offer restorative second chances that last [31:15] John Mark’s failure could have fixed his identity, but Barnabas’s patience drew out a Gospel writer who would narrate Jesus’s mercy to strugglers. Efficiency builds fast; restoration builds deep. Encouragement re-narrates failure, refuses finality, and makes room for redemption’s slow work. [31:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:00] - The ache for real encouragement
[40:00] - A discouraged age by the numbers
[111:00] - “Losing heart” and the unstrung bow
[153:00] - Scripture’s mandate to encourage
[358:00] - What encouragement is not
[530:00] - Parakaleo defined: called alongside
[583:00] - Meet Barnabas, son of encouragement
[651:00] - Encouragement leverages resources
[777:00] - Rare land, real need, bold gift
[976:00] - Encouragement risks influence for Saul
[1257:00] - Seeing grace in Antioch’s new form
[1584:00] - Creating space for another’s destiny
[1798:00] - Second chances for John Mark
[2006:00] - Practicing specific, timely, daily encouragement
[2189:00] - Courage put in: facing the bully
[2320:00] - Go back strong in Christ’s power

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Acts 4:36-37 (ESV)
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:26-27 (ESV)
And when [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles…

Acts 11:22-24 (ESV)
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose…

Observation Questions

What specific action did Barnabas take in Acts 4:36-37 to support the early church, and why was his gift significant given his background as a Levite?
How did Barnabas respond when others distrusted Saul in Acts 9:26-27, and what risk did he take by advocating for him?
In Acts 11:22-24, how did Barnabas react to the unfamiliar cultural context of Antioch’s church, and what did he prioritize over personal preferences?
What example was given in the sermon of someone using their influence to “spot possibility in a rough shell” for a young leader? [17:51]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Barnabas’ decision to sell ancestral land (Acts 4:36-37) have been a strategic act of encouragement rather than mere philanthropy?
How does Barnabas’ advocacy for Saul challenge common tendencies to judge people based on their past or reputation?
What does Barnabas’ response to the Antioch church reveal about the relationship between cultural flexibility and recognizing God’s work?
Why is “toxic positivity” (e.g., saying “everything’s amazing” to someone in pain) incompatible with biblical encouragement? [07:26]

Application Questions

Who in your life needs specific encouragement this week (e.g., naming a strength or progress they’ve made), and how can you intentionally “come alongside” them?
Is there a relationship, workplace dynamic, or ministry where you could leverage your resources (time, skills, finances) to “unlock a future” for someone else, as Barnabas did?
Are you holding skepticism toward someone’s potential because of their background, failures, or differences? How might you step into Barnabas’ example of absorbing relational risk for their growth?
When have you been tempted to dismiss God’s work because it didn’t align with your preferences (e.g., worship style, leadership approach)? What would it look like to affirm His grace in that situation?
Is there a “John Mark” in your life—someone who needs a second chance after failure? How can you offer restorative patience instead of efficiency-driven judgment?
Reflect on a time someone spoke courage into you during a “bully moment.” How can you pay that forward by speaking truth to someone feeling overwhelmed this week? [36:29]
What practical step will you take to avoid generic affirmation (e.g., “you’re awesome”) and instead give encouragement that “names the gain” in someone’s journey? [33:47]

Sermon Clips

Maybe you're facing something in your marriage and, like, it's never gonna work. Maybe it's maybe it's an employee at work or a boss and you're like, I am demoralized by being here. I am here to tell you that Jesus Christ has overcome sin, Satan, death, and hell, and he has put his spirit inside of you. And when you go back, you are not on your own to deal with these things. Christ himself will strengthen you if you step out in faith. He will meet you with power to change the circumstances that you are in. [00:38:57] (28 seconds)

He looks past all of the preferences and categories that had been placed on him, and he looks and says, you know what I see? The grace of God. I don't recognize the form, but I recognize that power. There is something there. It may not be my preference. It may not be my culture. It may not be my background. But the thing that's in me is in you and I bless it. And it says, encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all of their hearts. What a vision. [00:22:43] (27 seconds)

He says, I don't condemn you. There's an option for another life. When he finds the woman at the well, he doesn't say, you're bad at relationships. He says, I just see there's a hunger behind this. And he turns her into an evangelist that reaches her village. When Peter denies Jesus, Jesus goes finds him. The spirit of Jesus is the spirit of restoration for failures. There's nothing more encouraging than coming along and believing in someone who has failed. [00:32:37] (25 seconds)

Sometimes in the church, what is called encouragement is just people using speech in a way to manipulate other people, either to get someone to like them, to sort of climb status in a particular community or organization, or because you want something from something else. Flattery is not encouragement. Encouragement is not toxic positivity. You know, sometimes the church is like, everything's gonna be amazing. You're like, can I give you some feedback? My life sucks right now. Everything is not amazing. [00:06:43] (29 seconds)

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The Lost Art of Encouragement - Jon Tyson